Electric Blue: The Genetic Fluke Behind an Indonesian Tribe's Dazzling Eyes
Discover the story of an Indonesian tribe on Buton island with striking blue eyes due to Waardenburg syndrome, a rare genetic fluke captured by photographer Korchnoi Pasaribu.
On the small island of Buton, Indonesia, some members of an indigenous tribe possess a feature that looks straight out of science fiction: piercing, electric-blue eyes. This striking trait is the result of a rare genetic condition known as Waardenburg syndrome, recently brought to global attention through the lens of geologist and photographer Korchnoi Pasaribu on his Instagram.
A Photographer's 'Gem' Discovery
According to reports, Korchnoi Pasaribu, who is from the Indonesian island of Java himself, documented the tribespeople on September 17, 2020. He told Bored Panda he had known about the tribe since 2019 but only recently had the opportunity to capture their hypnotic eyes. His photos quickly went viral, with many comparing the mesmerizing eyes to those of the Fremen from 'Dune' or the White Walkers from 'Game of Thrones'.
The Science Behind the Gaze
The blue eyes are a manifestation of Waardenburg syndrome, a genetic fluke that affects an estimated 1 in 42,000 people. The syndrome can impact melanin production, which determines the pigmentation of hair, skin, and eyes. While it can cause these dazzling eyes, sources note it can also lead to varying degrees of hearing loss. As seen in Pasaribu's photos, the syndrome can even affect a single eye, resulting in heterochromia—two different colored eyes.
This story showcases how social platforms are becoming powerful tools for modern anthropology. A single photographer can bypass traditional academic channels to introduce global audiences to the planet's hidden pockets of human diversity, sparking conversations about genetics, culture, and representation.
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